Some weeks we watch steady influx of reader comments pop up on our site — a couple hundred total. This week we got 77 comments in one day, on a single story. And of those, one garnered nearly the same number of “likes” (73, to be exact, plus another 65 on Facebook), later turning into a full-fledged article of its own. Thanks to everyone who partook in the conversation.
Teresa Fisher Boardman · Commented on Where NAR spends its money: Employee compensation | Inman
Never before have so many women worked so hard to pay so few men so much. . .
Terry Price Lohrbeer · Commented on Where NAR spends its money: Employee compensation | Inman
Salaries seem high to me. Also female participation in these jobs is minimal. Isn’t it time that we have the same percentage representation that we see in the agent population.
I think it is time agents are more involved with how NAR spends our membership dues. I would be very interested in knowing the percentage of female agents to male agents that belng to NAR.
Very interesting information.
Deidre Woollard · Commented on Why luxury clients are turned off by technology | Inman
Luxury is also about making things easier. Sometimes forcing people to use technology can actually make things more complicated than having a dedicated person. Smart companies know when to deploy the tech and when the human touch is required.
Colin Mullane · Commented on Where NAR spends its money: Employee compensation | Inman
I am fortunate enough to know a few past presidents of NAR as well as several on the path to that position. They are passionate about the industry, the association and many have and are willing to have the tough conversations.
Almost all of them are successful enough in their businesses that they can take the incredible time commitment to serve at this level.
That being said, many are successful beyond and compensation they may receive. Finally, the numbers you see are not “salaries” they are inclusive of travel reimbursement for positions that take over 300 days a year away from their businesses, away from their families and with REALTORS accross the country who expect to see their national officers at their events.
I can assure you if the NAR board of directors ever suspected someone was running for financial purposes, it would be a very short lived run. But done take my word for it, show up to meetings, get involved, find the area that you relate to and want to participate in. I for one am proud to be a Realtor, and at $155 per year for NAR dues, there is nothing else I can get the level of value I do from my national association, less than $13 a month. But for $13 a month we could also just sit around and complain, but that just wouldn’t be me.
Steven Angelil · Commented on Where NAR spends its money: Employee compensation | Inman
These outrageous salaries are paid by MY dues? Not happy. NAR needs to join the 21st century and pare down this bloated organization. Members sould be able to vote just like shareholders. This is a perfect example of why Digital Autonomous Organizations are coming.
Mary St George · Commented on Special Report: Is social media worth the time investment? | Inman
I have been an avid believer of the use of social media. iIt is difficult to measure the ROI for something that keeps you top of mind. But it does add to the big picture.
When posting photos of the area, I use Instagram to share on muliple platforms. When posting albums I use Facebook only and when giving market updates, real estate articles I post to both Facebook and Twitter.
I do know that many people do get put off when some agents only talk about themselves versus their community or knowledge of the industry. We have to start putting our hands up when we hear the excuses “they are millennials”.
I am a baby boomer and would never have expected my elders to accept nothing less than the best from me and I transferred those expectations to my two millennial sons. Disrespect and narcissistic behavior has no excuses unless we allow it.
As long as we are humans, we will need human and face-to-face exchanges. I never expect anyone to constantly look at their phone all day, especially when driving.
That is one of the reasons I do not use Snapchat. It forces people to constantly look for and at updates knowing that if they do not, the information will be gone. To me one of the benefits of social media, is giving me platforms to save information on and be able to go back to those photos or documents. I am still trying to wrap my head around using Snapchat for real estate. But this was definitely a great article with lots of information – thank you.
Jonathan Wilhelm · Commented on Forest for the trees: the NAR expenses edition | Inman
Good article – two things. First, you state that “Either the staff and/or volunteer leadership are providing a valuable service for NAR and its members, or they’re not.” and there is a huge argument that theyre not. They only help the MLS and themselves. Second, “the MLS is an organic monopoly” is 100% true.
Anne Meczywor · Commented on Forest for the trees: the NAR expenses edition | Inman
I would argue they offer incredible value, although many members never access the tools and resources available to them, and fail to really understand the value of advocacy. I can’t fault them on that. Until I got actively involved in the organization, I had NO clue about any of that either.
The more deeply I got involved, the more I found to use to increase my business and profitabilty and make me a better broker. I feel that even now, I have only scratched the surface. I try very hard to promote all these things that are available to members, but as is human nature, we tend to only become aware of something when we have a specific need.
Instead of blanket criticisms, Jonathan, you might instead attend NAR events and really, really delve into www.realtor.org, RPR, our access to free e-signatures, discounts, come with us to visit your legislators on Capitol Hill at the Legislative meetings, and Houselogic.com.
The new ads have been carefully chosen and researched to appeal to a demographic that will build our business in the months and years ahead, keeping us ahead of the curve instead of playing “catch up”. And please remember, there is no ONE MLS.
The MLS any association chooses to use is a tool made up of information provided by the members who agree to pool their resources, on a level playing field for all those who have contributed, which benefits not only the members but also consumers by giving them accurate and current information.
Donnie Keller · Commented on Opendoor’s money-back offer cures homebuyer’s remorse | Inman
I think this was thought by someone who has never really been in the real estate industry. I agree with Shawn, a real estate transaction is not at all simple. I’ve been in the business for 20 years and done 1000’s of deals. There is always a new wrinkle in every transaction.
Jason Laos ·Commented on Opendoor’s money-back offer cures homebuyer’s remorse | Inman
Eric Wu and Jd Ross I applaud you guys for going for it! This is a really cool concept and a niche market for sure. It obviously scares a lot of agents with scarcity mindsets. Time is your most precious asset and this will definitely save some sellers time. There’s a reason why people trade in cars and sell things to a pawn shop. I don’t believe this will be the norm for all sellers but you definitely identified a cool niche. Congrats and I look forward to meeting you guys sometime. Jason Laos JK Realty
Georgia Meacham · Commented on Why aren’t there more women in real estate leadership? | Inman
With such interesting perspectives being presented, here is my view of the National Association of Realtors from 30,000 ft.
Having served as a volunteer, in many local, state positions and national positions, I now chair the NAR Housing Opportunity Committee. My experience could not be more different than the one Teresa describes.Talk about opportunities for learning leadership skills- everything from meeting management to budget analysis. The culture of inclusion, support and mentoring has opened innumerable doors for me both professionally and personally, too.
Seeing the good work being done in local communitites as a direct result of Community Outreach Grants from the National Assocation of Realtors, is just another benefit of membership. Programs directed towards ending homelessness and housing insecurity for our seniors, veterans and other vulnerable populations are getting support and making a difference for communities large and small.
Elizabeth Mendenhall is a perfect example of one of the many strong, smart, capable business women in leadership at the National Assocation of Realtors. There are many!
Thanks Teresa for the article. To spark social engagement is a good thing! You struck a chord with me.
Shyrl Lorino · Commented on Why aren’t there more women in real estate leadership? | Inman
Very well put. The only thing that will cure this malady, from NAR to boardrooms across the countryis when women…all of us, whether we are in positions of leadership or not, reach out and support other women in acheiving their goals.